Hinduism Flashcards
Module 7
Aryans meaning
“Noble people” in Sanskrit
Migrated to India 1800-1500 BCE
When did the Indo-Aryan migration take place?
1800 to 1500 BCE
Who is Purusha?
In the Rig Veda, Purusha is a primordial being who was sacrificed by the gods so all life forms including humans could be created. Each different body part of Purusha became the different varnas (castes)
Cosmogonic Myth
Varnas and Purusha’s body parts
Mouth - Brahmins
Arms - Kshatriyas
Legs - Vaishyas
Feet - Shudras
The caste of Teachers and Priests
Brahmin
The caste of Rulers and Warriors
Kshatriya
The caste of Peasants and Merchants
Vaishya
The caste of ruling kings (a later addition to the system, the highest level)
Rajas
The caste of laborers, the lowest caste
Sudra
What is Karma?
Action, and the consequences of action
What is Moksha?
Liberation, the desired escape from samsara
What is Atman?
Eternal Self, true inner Self, a person’s soul
What is Samsara?
The cycle of birth, death, and rebirth
What is Maya?
Illusion, the distorted view of the world
What is Dharma?
Duty, the duties of your caste/varna